WA cops praise Australia Day revellers

WEST Australians were mostly well-behaved during the country's biggest Australia Day event on Perth's Swan River foreshore, with only a slight increase in the number of people caught drink driving.

Police commended the public's behaviour during the various celebrations held for Australia Day, particularly at Perth's annual Skyworks, which attracted an estimated 300,000 people.

Commander Murray Smalpage said people were mostly responsible within the City of Perth's designated drinking zones in Kings Park and Langley Park.

"The message about responsible alcohol consumption seems to be having an effect and the community has come together to celebrate the spirit of our country without any significant issues," he said.

"We did, however, see a small increase in the number of people charged for excess 0.08 per cent and DUI (driving under the influence), which shows while the behaviour of people at the events was good, some may need to consider how they get to and from those events if they plan to drink."

Compared to last year's figures of six people being caught with an alcohol reading of more than 0.08 per cent, this year there were 12 people caught.

Those with a reading of more than 0.05 per cent was also up from one last year to three this year.

People picked up for driving under the influence, which means an alcohol reading of more than 0.15 per cent, was also up from four in 2012 to eight this year.

Meanwhile, Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the fireworks display was a spectacular and colourful event.

She said extra effort went into ensuring the success of the Skyworks this year due to the Elizabeth Quay construction work, which cut a large viewing section out of the foreshore.

"It's the biggest Australia Day event in the country and uniquely West Australian," Ms Scaffidi said.

"The pyrotechnics were dazzling, as always, and the new laser show was simply amazing.

"However, the real colour display was on the masses of people around the foreshore covered in Australian flags and face paint enjoying the 29th Australia Day Skyworks."